Hello, I'm Dario - an Illustrator and also a print maker and graphic designer originally from Swansea, South Wales and now based in Cambridge.
I've worked professionally both as an Illustrator for 15+ years, and as a Graphic Designer in the printing industry for 11+ years, after leaving University in Swansea College of Art with a B.A. Hons in General illustration, studying print making along with traditional and digital drawing techniques.
I moved to Cambridge to begin working as a Graphic Designer, and then later became production manager at a creative focussed print studio where I learned to juggle many projects, and honed my design skills (usually under intense time pressures) in print production, editorial, advertising, merchandise and social media marketing, before leaving to pursue my passion, a career in illustration.
Following a whale watching trip in California, my creative urges were awakened by a subject matter that has captivated me since childhood - the sea. Experimenting combining traditional techniques such as brushed ink, drawing, lino cutting and screen printing with digital methods, I created a series of illustrations 'Tails of the Sea' that later became sold out limited edition screen prints, and won my first award at the Cambridge Invitational Art Contest in 2018.
I aim to create art that inspires people to appreciate and protect nature and our environment, and created a series of digital illustrations inspired by 'retro' matchbox illustrations on the theme of endangered species of Britain. Striking up a partnership with The Mammal Society, I was able to make a large charitable donation to their cause. Conservation, respect for wildlife and celebrating beauty found in nature are what inspires my work, and my life.
Illustration has always been an almost obsessive interest and passion of mine, and opened up incredible opportunities to me throughout my life, and I have enjoyed private commissions for band merchandise, promotional material for local events, and public art such as the first entry to 'Cow's about Cambridge' sculpture trail in 2020.
Besides my full time role as an illustration agent, I now work from my home studio in Cambridge (occasionally transferring oil based ink to door handles throughout the house!) and offer a range of freelance illustration and design services.Thanks for visiting, Dario.
Contact
Thank you for your message! I'll aim to get back to you as soon as possible. Dario
Trade Enquiries
A PDF catalogue and wholesale price list can be sent on request of retailers making trade enquiries. Dario has work on sale in independent shops based in Cambridge, Brighton and Swansea.